Experience history up close - on a cycle tour that combines enjoyment of nature with impressive places of remembrance. Along the "time loop of liberation", you embark on a moving journey through time and landscape.
The tour begins in Roetgen, the “Gateway to the Eifel.” Here, you can experience freedom in two ways: The villages of Roetgen, Rott, and Mulartshütte, which belong to the municipality, are surrounded on all sides by one of the state’s largest contiguous forest areas—hiking and biking enthusiasts can freely explore the beauty of nature here. The spirit of freedom also lives on here from a historical perspective: On September 12, 1944, American soldiers marching from Raeren-Petergensfeld in Belgium entered Roetgen; since then, Roetgen has been considered the first municipality in Germany to be liberated during World War II. An exhibition at the hiking station vividly recounts this historic moment. Just a few kilometers further on, you’ll come across the Westwall Bridge over the Grölisbach—a place where you can learn more about the massive defense system that once shaped the landscape. Here, you can also see how nature has reclaimed the Siegfried Line and now even provides a habitat for rare animal and plant species. The route continues through vast forests to the idyllic town of Kornelimünster. On the way back, you’ll encounter the Westwall again near Schmithof before returning to Roetgen—partly through Belgian territory.
Highlights along the route
Outdoor exhibition at the Pferdeweiher
Westwall along the Grölisbach
Dreilägerbach Dam
Waldrast rest stop
Historic town center of Alt-Breinig
Historic Town Center of Kornelimünster
Westwall at Schmithof
Raeren Train Station/Signal House
St. Stephanus
Dorffer Str. 4
52076 Aachen
Kunsthaus NRW Kornelimünster
Abteigarten 6
52076 Aachen
St. Kornelius
Benediktusplatz 11
52076 Aachen
Kornelimünster
Korneliusmarkt
52076 Aachen